Christina Rossetti’s Goblin Market (JJewell Productions)

Adapted by Jennifer Jewell and Mark Cabus, this Depression-era reimaging of ‘Goblin Market’ is set in Southern USA. A tale of two sisters and their run-ins with goblin fruit sellers, it’s a story of sisterhood and enduring love, themes which are very much at the heart of this production. It’s performed by Jewell, with only a chair and a blanket for company, and classic storytelling devices are used as we see Jewell become every one of the characters. The addition of specifically recorded Bluegrass music was a welcome accompaniment, but the transitions between music and silence were a little clunky,and although it’s a very strong performance, the simple direction and basic staging prevent it from wholly maintaining the audience’s attention.